Apply: Graduate Programs in Special Education

Required Materials

• $50 non-refundable application fee 

• Official transcript from all institutions attended with a minimum final grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale in your bachelor's degree 

  • A bachelor’s degree with a major appropriate to the teaching license sought (e.g., physical education, computer sciences, or technology). 

  • If you attended an institution outside of the United States, a transcript evaluation from one of our approved agencies is required. 

  • If your undergraduate final grade point average falls below the minimum stated, please contact Graduate Admissions.

• Two references, professional and/or academic

• Statement of purpose; appropriate length is about 500- to 1,000 words, or two to three pages double-spaced.

  • Address what factors in your personal and professional history have influenced you in the past and now lead you to seek admission to this program at Salem State.
  • Write about long-term professional goals, and how this program will help you meet them.
  • Discuss any other information you think would help the admissions committee evaluate your application.

• A sample of academic writing, appropriate length is approximately two pages with citations. 

  • You may use a paper, or excerpt of a paper that you have already written, or you may write something new. Take a position and support it with evidence and appropriate citations. If you write something new, it is suggested you explore an issue that the field of special education is facing today. Ideas include, but are not limited to: inclusion, response to intervention, new autism guidelines, eligibility determination, over-representation in special education, self-advocacy, role of parents in the program, etc.  

• For advanced studies applicants: A copy of an initial license in special education issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Your license can be sent to gradadmissions@salemstate.edu. 

• An interview with a member of the admissions committee. You will be contacted to schedule your interview after your application is complete.

• English Proficiency, if applicable for international applicants 

Deadlines

• Applications accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed once complete. View final deadlines on our “Graduate Application and Deadlines” page. 

The master of education in special education initial license, the master of education in special education advanced studies, and the licensure-only special education programs do not support students in F or J status (accurate for the 2026-2027 academic year).

Contact the Center for International Education or Graduate Admissions with any questions.